Exercise Physiologists (EP) offer a unique set of skills relating to the active treatment of all manner of acute and chronic conditions. EPs are not only promoters of healthy lifestyles, but also understand what it takes to holistically individualise treatment to cater for any and all levels of function.
What’s that?
Exercise Physiologists (EP) also referred to as Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) are university educated Allied Health Practitioners who strictly comply with Exercise and Sports Science Australia’s (ESSA) set of professional standards, which serves to maintain AEPs to the highest degree of quality clinical care year in year out.
Maybe you’ve heard of Exercise Physiology from your GP, maybe a friend recommended them, or more popularly perhaps your physiotherapist said you’re ready to progress to EP. But this vital allied-health profession isn’t as well-known as the other popular treatments like physio, chiropractor, massage therapists, etc. So this begs the question…so What’s an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?
What exactly do AEPs do?
AEPs are specialists in designing, delivering and evaluating safe exercise intervention treatment for people with acute, sub-acute and/or chronic conditions, injuries or disabilities. They utilise an individualised exercise program, lifestyle behaviour modifications and condition education to treat and assist people with being able to achieve long term independent management. AEPs are often referred by doctors, specialists and physiotherapists.
All sorts of diseases and conditions can be treated by an EP. One way to simplify the kinds of conditions that EPs can see is anything that’s long term. These include but is not limited to:
Musculoskeletal injuries + Chronic pain
- Chronic pain in the lower back, knees, shoulders, hips
- Injuries in any part of the body such as the shoulders, knees, ankles, hips
- Pre-surgery/Prehab strengthening
- Post-surgery/Rehab strengthening
- Falls prevention
- Muscular dystrophy
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoporosis, osteopenia
- Sarcopenia
Metabolic/Cardiac Conditions
- Type 2/Type 1 Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cardiac events such as myocardial Infarction (Heart attack), arrythmia, stroke, myopathy, etc
- Dyslipidemia
- Weight management – Obesity/overweight
Neurological Conditions
- Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cerebral palsy, dementia, Huntington’s’ disease
Cancer
Kidney Conditions
Suffice to say, AEPs are equipped with a large volume of knowledge about diseases, conditions, human anatomy, and all the different ways our bodies react to exercise. With this in mind, AEPs also individualise all exercise programs to the patients’ movement goals whilst instilling in them the skills and knowledge to independently manage their condition upon being discharged from the EP.
What does an AEP specifically do?
- Thorough subjective interviewing to understand your context: things like medical history, your specific condition history, what treatment you’ve done so far, what’s aggravates your condition and what makes it feel better, etc
- Specific physical assessments: objective exercise tests that serve as a baseline of function and fitness. AEPs also use these same tests to track your progress over time
- Prescribe a tailored exercise program that may include some or all of strength, cardio, balance, flexibility and mobility exercises
- Education about your condition: what it is, how it affects you, and how active treatment can help
- Facilitate movement into your daily life and demonstrate how exercises can assist with activities of daily living (ADL)
- Teach or amend correct exercise techniques, whether it be regarding exercise equipment or without it
- Education about the importance of active treatment and how it holistically affects everyday life, ranging from the physical side of things to the mental side
You can find out how our EP / AEP’s can help you achieve your health goals & live life better with PROHEALTH PHYSIO & FITNESS, contact our friendly team.
Source: Exercise & Sports Science Australia
Title: What is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist?
Time: 10 mins